Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria announced that the City of Melbourne and the state government will jointly raise a $100 million city recovery fund to help the arts and cultural communities and small and medium-sized businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic effect.

This summer, the restaurants, and bars will operate on the streets under the package of the multi-million dollar which is designed to support the ailing hospitality sector of Melbourne. Additionally, $30 million will be utilized to conduct cultural activities ab events safely in the coming months which will provide the required salve to the art and cultural communities of Melbourne.

Recently, an open restaurant initiative was taken in New York to help around 9500 cafes and restaurants during the coronavirus restrictions. The idea of outdoor dining in the Victoria region, CBD, and suburbs are derived from this initiative. While the indoor dining is banned, a few streets, footpaths, and lanes have changed into restaurants, open-air bars, and cafes.

To allow outdoor dining and drinking, some streets and lanes in Melbourne will be closed, confirmed by Mr. Andrews. Apart from CBD, a further outdoor hospitality support package of $87.5 million will be raised to help the suburban hospitality businesses for advertising, practical support, and training to support them to move outside.

Mr. Andrews confirmed that the state government was strong to avoid the needless bureaucratic delays, supporting businesses to move outside. He stated that they wanted to avoid debates, arguments, and bureaucratic delays.

Martin Pakula, the Industry Support and Recovery Minister stated that the funds would be offered to 16,500 enterprises in the city which employ around 470,000 people.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp was excited to welcome the city recovery package. She was pushing for greater direct support for the businesses in CBD which have been hit by bigger financial crises than the suburban businesses. She stated that along with outdoor trading, the grant will be utilized in enhanced marketing, entertainment, and events to grab the attention of visitors and workers back to the city.

Source: https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/dining-on-the-streets-100m-fund-to-help-melbourne-recover-from-covid-20200914-p55vcn.html